The Sound of Bagpipes

Robin Goldsworthy is the publisher of the Crescenta Valley Weekly. She can be reached at robin@cvweekly.com or (818) 248-2740.

Like many parents in the foothills this year, Steve and I celebrated the graduation of our son from college.

Andy decided to attend culinary college after completing all the classes in cooking taught by Sara Harms at CV High School. She left quite an impression on our third son because as graduation approached he announced that he was applying to the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in their accomplished culinary arts division. He was accepted and moved to their Denver campus, but actually completed his education at the North Carolina location. Steve and I flew to North Carolina to see him walk the stage and what a sense of pride we felt at his accomplishment! Though already working at two restaurants in North Carolina, Andy’s future is even more secure with the degree under his belt.

Bagpipes were played in the Time Warner Stadium announcing the beginning and the end of the of ceremony, though I was humming my own tune – “No more tuition, no more tuition.” Several parents around me joined in.
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Whether from college or high school, graduation is a milestone in the life of every student. In the Crescenta Valley, though students at Clark and CV are preparing for graduation, there are still a couple of events to take part in. At Crescenta Valley High School, prom is just around the corner on Friday, June 1 and that means Prom Plus.

To me, Prom Plus is as important as the dance. After all, prom is a structured event held at one location with a start time and end time. It’s after prom activities that our students contemplate. Where to go, what to do. And though they are too young to go “clubbing,” opportunities to continue the festivities abound and unfortunately not all have the safety of our kids in mind. However, Prom Plus – an after prom party held for CV seniors and their guests at the Y – keeps seniors busy from after prom until 5 a.m.

A mechanical bull, rock climbing wall and full casino are just some of the activities that are offered. This year a zip line is also planned. Of course, this all comes at a price (the zip line alone is $2,500) and Prom Plus has felt the crunch of the economy along with everyone else.

Donations are still eagerly being sought to help offset this event that keeps our kids safe. If this sounds like something you’d like to support, send a check to Prom Plus at CV High School, 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta 91214. To learn more, visit www.promplus.org.